Pakistani social media sensation killed by brother

- Qandeel Baloch, a social media hit in Pakistan, was murdered by her own brother following a controversy with a clergy

- Her brother strangled her in an attempt to bring back the family’s reputation which is called ‘honor killing’

- Baloch was known for posting controversial videos and photos on the internet, often challenging the society to stray from the old practices of the country

Widely popular and controversial Pakistani social media sensation Qandeel Baloch died by the hands of her own brother who strangled her to death as an act of ‘honor killing’ in the city of Multan.

In an interview with CNN, Multan’s chief police officer Azhar Akram shared that Baloch’s brother felt that she put shame on their family’s name for the photos she had been sharing on the internet, therefore prompting him to condemn her to death in their home.

Baloch earned her fame through setting herself apart from the usual norm regarding women in their area. Instead of playing the religious damsel in distress often portrayed by female celebrities in Pakistan, she opted to walk down the unconventional road – openly expressing her flirty and brazenly antics, confessing her crushes, and sharing of political views.

Baloch did not hide her curvaceous figure from followers. (Photo credit: edition.cnn.com)

With almost 750,000 followers on Facebook, the 25-year old had been the center of admiration and critics. The previous weeks leading up to her death, she urged the community to challenge the old practices of their society.

As Baloch referred herself as a ‘modern day feminist,’ the culture editor of Pakistani newspaper ‘Dawn,’ Hamna Zubair, thinks so too. Zubair frequently wrote about the social media star which raised some eyebrows as well. However, the criticisms they received did not hinder them from rising to the challenge to close the gap between the genders their country. Zubair acknowledged that Baloch strives to increase the visibility of the female population in Pakistan after realizing the power she has over influencing them through her posts on various platforms.

However, the criticisms they received did not hinder them from rising to the challenge to close the gap between the genders their country. Zubair acknowledged that Baloch strives to increase the visibility of the female population in Pakistan after realizing the power she has over influencing them through her posts on various platforms.

The 25-year old also shares various topics like her hairstyles apart from the controversial posts and videos. (Photo credit: edition.cnn.com)

Unfortunately, not everyone agrees with the pair of women as Baloch’s brother cited the controversy with a senior member of the clergy as a trigger for his actions. The sassy woman posted a selfie with Mufti Abdul Qavi, which led him to be suspended from his post on one of Pakistan’s religious committees.

As brave and bold Baloch appears to be on camera, it was a different scenario behind the scenes as she feared for her safety. Hassan Choudary, digital editor at Express Tribune Life & Style, said that Baloch was sobbing on the phone following her music video called ‘Ban’ on YouTube on which she made fun of the restrictions the society has demanded from her.

Baloch refused to drown herself in worry. On the morning she was murdered, she shared how she considers herself as a fighter as she stares determinedly at the camera. Sad to say that she would not be able to keep her promise of bouncing back, but the impact she had left to the Pakistani women would not be easily subdued.

Honor killing is a normal occurrence in Pakistan. It is when a family member or a social group commits homicide after seeing that another member has tarnished their reputation. Through this act, they believe that the disgrace brought upon by that member would be cleansed and would return their honor. - Kami Media